On Friday, the Supreme Court declined to put a hold on the ongoing proceedings against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a criminal defamation case initiated by Gujarat University due to his remarks against the institution regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational qualification.
Taking note of the fact that the case is already before the Gujarat High Court, the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sanjeev Khanna, conveyed that it has no intention of issuing a notice in this matter.
The apex court stated that both Arvind Kejriwal and Gujarat University have the option to present their concerns before the High Court.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Arvind Kejriwal, contended that the High Court had erroneously declined to grant an interim stay on the defamation proceedings against him.
The Supreme Court pointed out that the High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 29 and expressed, “We trust and hope that it is decided on the said date.”
The complaint lodged by Gujarat University Registrar Piyush Patel accused Arvind Kejriwal of making “defamatory” remarks when he criticized the university for not revealing the degree certificate of Prime Minister Modi.
Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s decision on August 11, where his plea for a temporary halt on the criminal defamation proceedings against him was dismissed.
Previously, a Gujarat metropolitan court had summoned the Aam Admi Party (AAP) chief, along with another leader, Sanjay Singh, in the case. Kejriwal and Singh filed a revision plea in the sessions court, but it was rejected. Subsequently, they approached the Gujarat High Court, and the hearing is slated for August 29